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Enjoy larger-than-life adventures straight out of your favorite TV shows and movies at Universal Studios Theme Park in Orlando, Florida. After an action-packed day, trade the crowds and thrill rides for the call of seagulls and the splash of waves against the sand at one of five beaches within an hour's drive of the theme park.

Ride the Waves

An hour's drive due east of Universal Studios lands you up to your ankles in the soft tan sand of Cocoa Beach. Its 5 acres lie just a short walk from restaurants, retail shops and entertainment. The area has a 300-space parking lot, restrooms and outdoor showers, with a paved sidewalk running alongside the sand. Watch East Coast surfers ride the waves just offshore or take a lesson and try the sport for yourself.

Speed to Daytona

The Daytona Beach Pier, 65 miles northwest of Universal Studios, recalls the simpler times of beachside amusement parks, with a Ferris wheel that gives you an unparalleled view of the ocean and beach, a roller coaster and other attractions along the boardwalk. The beach's orange sand, in places, is made of crushed quartz crystal and time-worn fragments of coquina shell that have turned a rusty orange from iron oxide. You can also access 5.5 miles of beach immediately south of Daytona Beach at Daytona Shores. Access the beach at Frank Rendon Park, where you'll find restrooms, showers, grills, picnic tables and a beach walkway.

Return to Nature

Just south of the Daytona Beach area, New Smyrna Beach's white shores stretch along the New Smyrna Beach Peninsula. Rock ledges 45 miles offshore break up dangerous ocean undercurrents, making it a favorite area for swimming and surfing. You'll find public facilities at Smyrna Dunes Park and Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park. Smyrna Beach is bordered to the north and south by natural seashore areas, where you can birdwatch or take a hike. To the south of the beach, Canaveral National Seashore's Apollo Beach stretches 24 miles with no amenities, so bring plenty of water and snacks.

The Beach Less Traveled

The crowds tend to get thinner at Melbourne Beach, 81 miles southeast of Universal Studios. Access the beach at Ryckman Park, which is adjacent to the town hall complex. The park has ample parking, beach access, restrooms and picnic pavillions. Let kids burn off some energy on the playground or take time to enjoy sport courts that include basketball, bocce ball and tennis. At Ocean Park, beach access is complemented by sand volleyball courts, free parking and outdoor showers. Additional beach access is found at Loggerhead Preserve, although no parking is available.